“There's an early pioneering generation,” Tejeda said. “Ruben Vela was part of the subsequent generation that immediately followed, on par with Flaco Jimenez and Steven Jordan. These are now the elders of conjunto music, and we're losing them.”

Vela began recording early in life, from 45s on vinyl to eight-track tapes to CDs, Tejeda said. “He has left us a lot of music. His music will continue.

“He was great man,” Tejeda added, laughing. “He promoted himself well,” referring to himself as “No. 1,” rolling the “r” in “number.” “But he was actually a very humble man.”

Vela's funeral service is set for 11:30 a.m. today at Faith Pleases God Church in Harlingen with interment to follow at Restlawn Memorial Cemetery in La Feria.